Kohat, Pakistan

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Kohat, Pakistan

Region: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

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Geographic Coordinates: 33.583300, 71.433300

Climate: Seasonal variation in Kohat, Pakistan includes hot summers and cool winters with occasional rainfall throughout the year.

Population: 170800

Language: Urdu

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Kohat is a city situated in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It is located on the bank of the Kurram River and surrounded by hills and mountains, Providing a picturesque view. The city has a rich history dating back to ancient times, With archaeological evidence suggesting that it was inhabited as far back as 5000 BC. One of Kohat’s notable features is its strategic location at the crossroads between Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, And Afghanistan. As such, It has been an essential center for trade and commerce throughout history.

Today, Kohat remains an important hub for transportation and logistics in northern Pakistan. The people of Kohat are known for their hospitable nature and friendly attitude. They primarily speak Pashto but are also fluent in Urdu and English. The city has a diverse population with people from different ethnic backgrounds living together harmoniously. Kohat has several landmarks that attract tourists from all over Pakistan. One such landmark is the famous Tanda Dam which provides water to both Kohat city and surrounding areas for irrigation purposes.

Another popular attraction in Kohat is its historic bazaar dating back to Mughal times offering visitors traditional Pakistani culture with shops selling everything from spices to handicrafts. In addition to these attractions, Kohat also boasts several educational institutions including medical colleges, Engineering universities, And vocational training programs. Despite being located in a region that experienced conflict over recent years due to terrorist activities carried out by extremist groups like Taliban; however; effective law enforcement measures have been taken by local authorities making it relatively peaceful today.

Overall, Kohat offers visitors an opportunity to experience Pakistani culture while enjoying its natural beauty along with modern amenities making it one of the most attractive destinations in northern Pakistan today!

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1. Tanda Dam
2. Kohat Tunnel
3. Hangu Pass
4. Shahi Bagh Park
5. Kotal Khwaja Khizar Cave
6. Jarma Valley
7. Excavation Site of Ashoka the Great’s Edicts
8. Jamia Masjid Muhammadiya
9. Gumbat Stupa
10. Takht-e-Nasrati

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1. Agriculture
2. Mining
3. Cement manufacturing
4. Healthcare services
5. Education institutions
6. Textile production
7. Handicrafts creation
8. Transportation services

Kohat is well-known for its:

• Fertile land which makes it a major producer of crops such as:
1. Wheat
2. Maize
3. Sugarcane
4. Tobacco
• Significant reserves of oil and gas that are extracted by the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL)
• Several cement manufacturing plants in the area that produce high-quality cement
• Several hospitals and clinics that provide medical services to the local population
• Educational institutions including universities, colleges, schools and madrasas
• A small but growing textile industry that produces cotton fabrics
• Local artisans who create traditional handicrafts such as:
1. Pottery
2. Embroidery
3. Woodwork
4. Leather goods
• A well-developed road network with regular bus services connecting it to other cities in Pakistan

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Noteable History

1. The city has a rich history dating back to the Mauryan Empire in 322 BC.
2. Alexander the Great is said to have passed through Kohat during his conquest of South Asia.
3. During the British Raj, Kohat was an important military base and served as a hub for trade and commerce.
4. The famous Pashto poet Khushal Khan Khattak was born in Akora Khattak, a town near Kohat.
5. General Ayub Khan, who served as President of Pakistan from 1958 to 1969, hailed from Haripur district near Kohat.
6. The city played an important role in the Afghan War against Soviet forces in the 1980s.
7. In recent years, Kohat has been affected by terrorist attacks and sectarian violence due to its proximity to tribal areas along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
8. Notable landmarks in Kohat include Tanda Dam, Jamia Masjid Mohabatabad (one of Pakistan’s largest mosques), and Kotal Pass (a historic mountain pass).
9. The city is also known for its traditional handicrafts such as pottery, embroidery, and weaving.

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Museums and Things To See

1. Kohat Museum showcases the rich history and culture of Kohat and its surrounding regions.
2. Kotal Khel Museum displays ancient artifacts related to Gandhara civilization.
3. Hangu Fort, dating back to the 17th century, is located in the nearby town of Hangu.
4. Ghulam Muhammad Memorial Library houses a vast collection of books on various subjects and is named after a renowned Pakistani politician.
5. Jamia Masjid Mohallah Sadiqabad features beautiful Islamic architecture and is one of the largest mosques in Kohat.
6. Darbar Baba Sahib Wali Qandhari is a shrine dedicated to a Sufi saint who lived in Kohat during the 18th century.
7. Jinnah Park offers a peaceful retreat from city life with lush greenery, walking paths, and picnic areas for public use.
8. Dargai Heights Monument commemorates an important battle fought during World War I between British forces and Pashtun tribesmen near Kohat.
9. Gumbad-e-Khizra Mosque or Masjid-e-Aqsa features stunning blue tile work on its dome and minarets for visitors to admire.
10. Kotal Pass Tunnel was built by British engineers in 1929 to connect Kohat with other major cities in Pakistan along the highway between Peshawar and Islamabad.

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Cultural Events

1. Eid-ul-Fitr: This festival marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Kohat.
2. Basant Festival: This festival is celebrated to mark the arrival of spring season in Kohat. People fly kites and enjoy traditional food during this festival.
3. Urs Sharif: It is a religious event that commemorates the death anniversary of a Sufi saint.
4. Independence Day: Pakistan’s Independence Day on August 14th is also celebrated with great zeal in Kohat.
5. Mela Chiraghan: It is a famous Punjabi festival that celebrates the life of Sufi poet Shah Hussain and his teachings.
6. Jashn-e-Baharan: This spring festival celebrates the beauty of nature and includes flower shows, cultural programs, and traditional food fairs.
7. Shandur Polo Festival: It is a popular polo tournament held annually at Shandur Pass between Gilgit-Baltistan region and Chitral district which attracts large crowds from all over Pakistan including Kohat city residents who are interested to watch this sport live or on TV channels broadcasting it nationwide.

Note: This information may not be up-to-date or accurate as cultural events may change from time to time based on local conditions such as COVID-19 pandemic restrictions etc., so please check for any updates before planning your visit to these festivals/events in Kohat or elsewhere in Pakistan.

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Cuisine

• Chapli Kabab – a spicy minced meat patty made with various spices and herbs.
• Karahi – a curry dish made with chicken or mutton cooked in a wok with tomatoes and spices.
• Peshawari Charsi Tikka – marinated beef or mutton skewered on sticks and grilled over charcoal.
• Biryani – a rice dish cooked with meat, spices, and sometimes vegetables.
• Nihari – a slow-cooked stew made with beef shank and bone marrow.

Some popular restaurants in Kohat serving these dishes include:

• Khan Baba Restaurant
• Al-Makkah Restaurant
• Raja Biryani House
• The Grill House
• Shahi Darbar Restaurant

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Parks and Recreation

1. Jinnah Park is the primary public park in Kohat that provides various recreational activities such as walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
2. Shahi Bagh is a historic garden built during the Mughal era that still attracts visitors today with its lush greenery and beautiful architecture.
3. Tanda Dam is a reservoir that’s a popular spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking.
4. KDA Park is situated close to the Kohat Development Authority office and has jogging tracks, children’s playgrounds, and picnic areas.
5. The Army Public School Playground’s open to the public outside of school hours for sports like cricket and football.
6. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy an 18-hole course at Kohat Golf Club located on Hangu Road.
7. Gumbat Bazaar is a bustling market where you can shop for local handicrafts or sample traditional Pakistani street food.
8. Jamrud Fort offers stunning views of surrounding hillsides and valleys; it’s located about 25 km from Kohat city center.

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Its All About The Journey.

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